RSM Supply Chain Nexus 2025 united leaders to explore AI, resilience & strategy in supply chains—blending tech with human insight to shape a smarter, adaptive future.
Home > Insight> RSM Supply Chain Nexus 2025: Reuniting a Community, Reimagining the Future of Supply Chain
In an increasingly dynamic and uncertain world, supply chain leaders face immense pressure to adapt, innovate, and deliver sustainable results. Recognising this urgency, RSM Supply Chain Nexus 2025 was conceived not as a conventional alumni gathering, but as a strategic forum to spark dialogue and drive forward-thinking conversations among a curated group of decision-makers.
Held on April 8, 2025, at Amsterdam’s iconic A’DAM Tower, the event was organised by 3SC in collaboration with the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) and Erasmus University. It brought together distinguished alumni, industry experts, and business leaders with a clear mission to explore the evolving role of AI in supply chain ecosystems, and to examine how leadership, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making will shape the future of the industry.
The evening unfolded with a warm round of networking, setting a collaborative tone for what was to come. Amid the buzz of conversations, familiar faces lit up as batchmates reunited, while new connections quickly formed among professionals with remarkably similar journeys. Operating within the dynamic world of supply chain, attendees found common ground not just in their industry, but in the experiences they’ve navigated and the goals they continue to strive toward. These initial moments sparked a sense of camaraderie and collective purpose—encouraging everyone to move beyond passive presence and engage meaningfully. From the outset, it was clear: this wasn’t just an event, it was a space for reflection, fresh perspectives, and forward momentum as a community.
Global supply chains are under pressure, from economic swings to tech disruption and geopolitical shifts. In response, business leaders are rethinking how decisions are made and scaled. At RSM Supply Chain Nexus 2025, keynote speakers from industry and academia shared sharp insights on what’s next. They explored how AI, human judgment, and digital tools are reshaping strategies to handle complexity, cut costs, and stay competitive.
1. Rethinking Leadership: The New Rules of Executive Decision-Making
Pratik Yadav, Partner at Boston Consulting Group, delivered the first keynote, shedding light on five critical trends reshaping executive decision-making in the context of AI and automation:
Yadav concluded by urging leaders to embrace adaptability, foster an AI-first mindset, and focus on value creation to navigate the evolving business landscape successfully.
2. Guiding the Machine: The Role of Human Judgment in an AI World
Dr. Ioannis Fragkos, Professor at RSM, delivered the second keynote, exploring the interplay between AI and human judgment in supply chain decision-making. He posited that while AI excels in handling complexity, it struggles with ambiguity, highlighting the indispensable role of human insight in strategic decisions.
Fragkos illustrated his points with case studies:
He emphasised that successful AI adoption hinges on four key enablers: problem-driven implementation, robust data infrastructure, talent acquisition, and organisational readiness. Fragkos concluded by asserting that AI should augment, not replace, human decision-making, advocating for a balanced approach to technology integration.
The panel discussion brought together industry leaders who offered diverse perspectives on the real-world application of AI in supply chains. From operational execution to sustainability, the dialogue explored both the transformative potential and the practical limitations of AI integration.
The discussion, titled “AI in Supply Chain – From Game Changer to Competitive Advantage,” featured:
Below are key takeaways from the panelists, reflecting how AI is being applied and balanced across leading supply chains:
1. Current AI Applications: Promise Meets Friction
Marc Contijoch, drawing on years of experience navigating procurement transformation, highlighted a core challenge: while AI holds game-changing potential, legacy systems and fragmented data remain stubborn roadblocks. From his vantage point, integration is the real differentiator, only then can companies move from isolated pilots to measurable performance.
Stepan Afanasyev, with deep expertise in supply planning, echoed this sentiment. He noted that AI has indeed improved forecasting accuracy and functional planning. But scaling those insights into cross-regional, strategic decisions is still a hurdle. The friction lies not just in data quality, but in aligning people and processes across silos.
2. Automation vs. Expertise: The Real Competitive Edge
Mohammad Khawaja, speaking from frontline leadership in operational strategy, delivered a sharp truth: AI isn’t a silver bullet. In low-variance environments, automation brings speed. But in complex, high-stakes scenarios, it’s human judgment, built on years of lived experience, that adds critical value. His message was clear: competitive advantage lies in striking the right balance, not choosing sides.
3. Resilience and Sustainability: AI as Enabler, Not the Answer
Khawaja also underlined that AI can accelerate sustainability, but only when embedded within a larger vision. Tech alone doesn’t drive impact—strategic intent does. His view? Sustainability at scale needs integrated thinking, not just smart tools.
Afanasyev added a powerful point: predictive analytics are redefining risk management, but when real disruption strikes, it’s seasoned professionals—not algorithms—who turn signals into action. His insights reflect a deep understanding of operational resilience shaped by real-world volatility.
4. Moderation and the Path Forward
Bringing it all together, moderator Shreyas Kapse provided a grounded perspective shaped by his global leadership journey. He emphasized that AI adoption isn’t the endgame and true transformation comes from harmonizing technology, talent, and intent.
The panel closed with a powerful consensus: while AI continues to reshape decision-making, its true impact will depend on the ability of organisations to align technology with people, purpose, and performance.
RSM Supply Chain Nexus 2025 served as more than a platform for dialogue, it was a catalyst for rethinking how business leaders navigate the evolving complexities of global supply chains. The event reaffirmed the need for a balanced approach where technology enables, but human judgment leads.
From keynote insights to hands-on perspectives, every session emphasised the importance of adaptability, strategic foresight, and collaboration. As AI and automation continue to transform the landscape, the discussions and reflections shared at RSM Supply Chain Nexus 2025 will serve as a blueprint for leaders aiming to turn disruption into opportunity and intelligence into impact.
The evening concluded on a note of renewed connection and shared purpose, as alumni and industry leaders came together not only to exchange ideas, but to commit to shaping the future of supply chains together. The atmosphere was one of optimism and ambition, grounded in the belief that collective experience, continuous learning, and cross-industry collaboration will define the next era of leadership.
In a world of accelerating change, the message was clear: the future of supply chain leadership belongs to those who can integrate insight with intention—and lead with both.